Cayce Health Database

OVERVIEW OF MIGRAINE

Migraine is a syndrome characterized
by attacks of headache, often accompanied by disordered vision and
gastrointestinal disturbances. The intense head pain associated
with migraine is usually unilateral (on one side of the head).

Classified as "vascular headache," migraine headache
is thought to be produced by dilation of blood vessels in the head (as
distinguished from tension headaches, which are produced by muscle spasms
in the head and neck). Gastrointestinal disturbances including nausea,
vomiting, abdominal cramps, constipation, or diarrhea are almost
universal. In approximately 30 percent of all cases, migraine
attacks are preceded by warning signs such as blind spots, zigzag flashing
lights, numbness in parts of the body, and distorted visual images.

THE CAUSES OF MIGRAINE

The precise cause of migraine is unknown. Migraine
tends to run in families, thus heredity is one possible causal factor.
Allergies may also be involved, as migraine may be precipitated by allergic
hypersensitivity (e.g., foods, such as cheese, alcohol, and chocolate,
that contain substances that affect the blood vessels). Many things
seem capable of triggering migraine attacks, including stress, fatigue,
changes in the weather, changes in diet, and menstruation.

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF MIGRAINE

The anatomy and physiology of migraine pathology is
complex. There are two primary lines of thought in this area.
One approach considers migraine to be a circulatory disorder. The
other model regards migraine to be caused by neurological factors.

The "vascular theory of migraine" states that migraine
is a disturbance of blood flow to the head. Blood vessels in the
head and face become dilated and engorged. The excess of blood causes
the intense pain of migraine headache.

The other major theory is the "nerve theory."
This approach focuses on the trigeminal nerve (fifth cranial nerve) as
the cause of the pain. The trigeminal is a bilateral nerve (one
on each side of the face). Currently, research is focusing on the
various kinds of chemical irritation which may affect the trigeminal nerve,
resulting in migraine headache.

THE TREATMENT OF MIGRAINE

From a modern medical perspective, migraine is an
incurable illness. However, the symptoms of migraine can be treated,
usually with medication. Common pain relievers may reduce the pain
of mild migraine. Acute attacks can be treated with ergot alkaloid
medication at symptom onset, but these drugs are not sedative and also
have side effects. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may also
abort acute attacks. Numerous other medications are used in the
treatment of migraine.

Historically, migraine was often viewed as a systemic
illness caused by problems in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Treatment
focused on improving digestion, assimilation and elimination throughout
the GI tract. This was the approach most often recommended by Edgar
Cayce.

EDGAR CAYCE'S PERSPECTIVE

Edgar Cayce gave numerous readings for persons suffering
from migraine. In almost all the cases, he traced the problem back
to abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract). For example,
reading 3630-1 states that in most instances, the cause of migraine can
be traced to the colon. Cayce described "patches of adhesions of
fecal forces to the walls of the intestine" which upset the nervous system
and caused the gastrointestinal symptoms and headache. In the case
of 3400-2, to allay the disbelief that migraine could be caused by problems
in the colon, Cayce suggested that an x-ray be taken which would show
the clogged colon.

In another important reading on migraine (3326-1),
he also referred to allergic conditions in the digestive system which
produced inflammation in the intestinal tract, affecting the blood and
nerve activity. Presumably, allergic reactions in the stomach and
small intestines could produce problems further along the GI tract in
the colon. Several readings also noted problems with the glands
and organs associated with the digestive system as the source of the allergic
reaction in the intestines.

Whatever the specific nature of the pathology in the
GI tract, the readings state that the nerves associated with the intestines
become irritated and produce a reflex action to the nerves of the head.
In four different readings, Cayce specified the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal)
as the affected nerve producing the headache symptoms. In other
readings, Cayce spoke of nerve reflexes to the sympathetic nerve system
which controls blood flow to the all parts of the body, including the
head. Thus, Cayce accounted for both of the major theories currently
held by medical science as to the cause of migraine.

To appreciate Cayce's view of anatomy and physiology,
one must take into consideration the extensive medical literature which
demonstrates that there is a nervous system within the abdomen.
Known as the "abdominal brain" and "enteric nervous system," the visceral
nervous system is one of the hottest areas of current medical research.
Thus Cayce's assertion that syndromes such as migraine headache can be
caused by problems in the abdomen is supported by historical and modern
medical sources. In fact, there is an extensive medical literature
on abdominal migraine which further supports Cayce's perspective on a
GI tract connection in migraine. (See articles on abdominal migraine
and the abdominal brain in the Documentation section of this protocol.)

EDGAR CAYCE’S TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Edgar Cayce's treatment approach is consistent with
his views on the cause and pathophysiology of migraine. Because
most cases of migraine are produced by problems in the gastrointestinal
(GI) tract, he typically suggested therapies to improve digestion, assimilation,
elimination and circulation. The most frequently recommended treatment
modalities for migraine are:

Colonic irrigations to cleanse the colon.

Massage and spinal manipulations to improve eliminations and coordinate
the nervous systems.

Dietary and nutritional suggestions to decrease allergic irritation
to the stomach and intestines.

Castor oil packs and laxatives (if needed) to improve eliminations.

The Radial Appliance to balance circulation (improve coordination
between the deep and superficial circulation).

Note: The above information is not intended for self-diagnosis
or self-treatment. Please consult a qualified health care professional
for assistance in applying the information contained in the Cayce Health
Database.

Edgar Cayce is considered the father of holistic medicine. Baar Products is the Official Worldwide Supplier of the Cayce Care remedies line of products developed from the Cayce health readings' recommendations.